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Medicines for Autism

Medicines have a limited role in improving symptoms of
autism. But some may help prevent self-injury and
other behaviors that are causing difficulty. Medicines may also take a child to
a functional level at which he or she can benefit from other treatments.

There is no standard medicine for the treatment of autism. The American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests targeting the main one or two problem
behaviors when considering medicines.1

Medicines that are sometimes used to treat behaviors related to autism
include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antipsychotic
medicines.1

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include citalopram, fluoxetine , and sertraline. These medicines may help with depression, anxiety, and obsessive behaviors. SSRIs have side effects, such as weight gain, insomnia, and
increased agitation, but the side effects tend to be less serious than those of antipsychotic
medicines.

FDA advisory. The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an
advisory on antidepressant medicines and the risk of
suicide. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines, but
they do recommend that people who use these medicines be watched for
warning signs of suicide. This is especially important
at the beginning of treatment or when the dosage is changed.

Antipsychotic medicines

Antipsychotic medicines,
such as haloperidol, risperidone, and thioridazine work by
changing the effects of brain chemicals. They may help decrease problem
behaviors that can occur with autism. Risperidone has been shown to reduce tantrums, aggression, and
self-harming behavior in children with autism.2

But these medicines
can have side effects, including sleepiness, tremors, and weight gain. Their
use is usually considered only after behavior management has failed to address
the problem behaviors.

Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). These medicines are used to treat impulsive and aggressive behaviors in children with autism.

Lithium (Lithobid) and anticonvulsants,
such as carbamazepine and valproic acid. Children who are occasionally aggressive may become more stable
when using these medicines, although monitoring the level of the drug in the
body through regularly scheduled blood tests is required.

The effectiveness of these medicines varies by individual.
Side effects are possible and should be discussed with your doctor. Some
doctors may advise going off a medicine temporarily, to identify
whether it is having a positive or negative effect.

The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on anticonvulsant medicines
and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. The FDA does not recommend that
people stop using these medicines. Instead, people who take anticonvulsant
medicine should be watched closely for
warning signs of suicide. People who take
anticonvulsant medicine and who are worried about this side effect should talk
to a doctor.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006). FDA approves the first drug to treat irritability associated with autism, risperdal. FDA News. Available online: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2006/ucm108759.htm.

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